SEVERE AWARENESS FACTS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS

The considers a to be severe if it produces ¾ inch or larger, or speed 58 mph or more.

Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for tornadoes, severe or flash . If you are in a watch area, make plans to seek shelter if necessary.

Warnings are issued when severe weather has been reported or is imminent. Seek shelter immediately if you are in or near the path of the

Sirens are meant to warn those who are outdoors. If you hear a siren, seek shelter immediately and turn on a radio or TV to hear safety information.

Thunderstorms, and Hail

Thunderstorms can produce an out rush of wind known as a “” or “microburst” producing straight-line winds. They can overturn mobile homes, tear roofs off houses and topple trees.

Each year hail causes nearly one billion dollars in damage nationally. Large hailstones fall at speeds faster than 100 mph and have been known to kill people.

Lightning

Each year kills around 100 Americans and injures about 300 others.

Myth: If it is not raining, there is no danger from lightning. Fact: Lightning may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.

Tornado Safety Information

When a Warning is issued, if you are:

• In a house, go to the basement. Get under a table or workbench or other sturdy furniture. If there is no basement, go into a small interior room on the lowest level (closets, bathrooms and interior halls afford the best protection). Stay Away From Windows.

• In an apartment, school or office building, move to the innermost room on the lowest level or to a pre-designated shelter area. Crouch down and protect your head from flying . Avoid areas with glass and large roof spans.

• In a mobile home, abandon it immediately. Seek a sturdy shelter or permanent structure. If there is not time, lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression with your hands shielding your head.

• In a vehicle, get out of the vehicle and lie flat in a ditch or ravine. Never try to outrun a tornado.

During a Tornado Watch:

• Listen to the radio or television to get current weather information.

• Bring loose objects inside or tie them down securely if they are to be left outdoors.

• Be prepared to take shelter.

When a is given:

• Move to your shelter area immediately.

• Listen to the radio for updated warning information.

• Stay away from windows.

Flash Floods

When driving, do not cross through high water. Two feet of running water is enough to carry away most vehicles. Fifty percent of flash deaths occur in vehicles.